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Ransom Eli Olds is
generally regarded as Lansing's most famous citizen. In 1897 he founded
the Olds Motor Works and went on to invent the famous Curved Dash
Oldsmobile, the first mass-produced automobile. Then, in the spring of
1904, Mr. Olds abruptly severed his connection with the most successful
automobile enterprise up to that time. On August 16, 1904, he
incorporated his second great vehicle company, the Reo Motor Car
Company.
 Reo
grew up with the City of Lansing. The plant at 1333 South Washington
spanned dozens of acres. Hundreds of thousands of automobiles, trucks,
buses, military vehicles and other products were manufactured there. The
company is fondly remembered for having built the world-famous Reo
Royale classic car, the great Reo Speed Wagon truck and many other fine
products. Thousands of Lansing families were supported by good-paying
jobs at "the Reo." As recently as 1973, Diamond Reo employed
between 1,500 and 2,000 personnel. The Reo Clubhouse was a community
center for social events and recreation for over 50 years.
Reo flourished as a
Lansing community-born and developed company. But nothing lasts forever.
Car production ceased in 1936, and truck production ended in 1975. The
clubhouse and main plant were demolished in 1979. Almost all tangible
reminders of Reo have disappeared from Lansing now, but Reo is far from
forgotten.
A committee of Lansing
community volunteers has prepared a celebration of Reo's centennial, to
be held July 15, 16 and 17. Reo retirees, Reo car and truck enthusiasts,
local history enthusiasts and the community will gather in downtown
Lansing for the celebration.
For more information visit
www.reoclub.org or
call Jim Neal at (517) 482-2400. |
